Cognitive problems linked to popular “probiotic” health supplements

A brand-new study found that taking probiotic supplements can cause serious, cognitive side effects.

But I’m not all that surprised.

I’ve never recommended taking probiotic supplements, which artificially introduce random, supposedly “healthy,” probiotic bacteria to your GI tract. Not to mention, everyone’s GI tract is different. And a one-size-fits-all solution simply won’t do when it comes to the health of your microbiome, which is the environment in your GI tract where billions of probiotic bacteria thrive.

Instead, I recommend a simpler strategy to support the health and diversity of your microbiome. And I’ll tell you all about it in a moment.

But first, let’s take a closer look at why probiotic supplementation poses a serious danger to your health…

Unexpected consequences of probiotic supplementation

Don’t get me wrong. Your microbiome needs billions of probiotic bacteria to thrive. And we now know a healthy microbiome plays a big role in:

Protecting you from deadly infections and diseases

Keeping your digestive system “regular”

Supporting a healthy immune system

Maintaining healthy blood sugar

Indeed, the human microbiome is far more complex than anyone in the scientific world has understood. And we’re learning more and more about its importance as time goes on.

But probiotic supplements artificially introduce seemingly random, single strains of bacteria — such as acidophilus — into your microbiome. And mainstream practitioners, and “natural know-it-alls” alike, have “fed” us the misguided idea that this approach can help people with GI issues such as irritable bowel system (IBS). Some doctors even recommend taking them after a course of antibiotics.

In my view, introducing just one or two strains of random bacteria into your complex GI ecosystem — which contains anywhere between 300 and 1,000 different types — is a recipe for disaster.

And this new study demonstrates my concerns…

Probiotic supplementation leads to dangerous side effects

For this new study, researchers at Augusta University in Georgia studied 30 people with abdominal symptoms, such as gas, bloating, and distension. Among this group, 22 participants also reported “brain fog” and cognitive difficulties.

And as it turns out, all 22 of the participants had been taking probiotic supplements.

Plus, when the researchers looked closer, they found the participants had colonies of probiotics in their guts that were much larger than normal. In particular, they found large colonies of the bacteria lactobacillus, which are commonly found in probiotic supplements.

Furthermore, these lactobacillus bacteria were producing lactic acid — at two to three times the amount normally found in the body.

Of course, lactic acid is a toxin that we typically associate with muscle fatigue and Type II diabetes. But it also acts as a temporary toxin to brain cells, interfering with cognition and your sense of time. And the lactobacillus bacteria were producing it in excess after breaking down sugars passing through the GI tract.

Fortunately, the “brain fog” cleared up when participants stopped taking the probiotic supplements. But I still advise against taking them.

The hundreds of thousands of different species of bacteria that live in your microbiome work in tandem — helping to regulate your digestion, immune system, and metabolism.

And throughout your life, many factors influence the health of your microbiome — including birth conditions, diet, sanitation of living environment, and physical problems. Of course, antibiotic, opioid, and stomach acid drugs can also alter the microbiome.

And by artificially adding one or two specific strains of probiotics into the mix of your gut flora, you can upset this delicate balance and cause great harm.

It’s rather ironic, isn’t it?

Mainstream medical practitioners generally condemn the use of natural approaches to treat health problems. But the few natural approaches and supplements they do recommend — such as probiotics — don’t work. Or worse yet — cause harm.

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